The Nationals have swapped right-handed relievers with the Tigers, sending Collin Balester to the Tigers for Ryan Perry.

The impetus of the trade, from the Nationals’ perspective, might be the roster flexibility it will provide. Balester will be out of options in 2012 and thus can’t be sent to the minors without first passing through waivers. Perry, meanwhile, has one option year remaining, allowing the Nationals to retain his rights even if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.

Perry, 24, owns a 4.07 ERA in 149 appearances over the last three seasons with Detroit, but he’s had trouble sticking in the big leagues because of consistency issues. Drafted by the Tigers only three years ago as the 21st overall pick, Perry reached the majors after only one minor-league season and only eight appearances at Class AAA.

With a fastball that averaged 94.1 mph this season, Perry will have a shot to make the Nationals’ bullpen out of spring training as a middleRead more

It's not a big deal, but I think the Nationals came out ahead on this swap. OK, Perry’s “big moment” in Detroit was giving up Nelson Cruz’s walkoff grand slam in the playoffs last year, so it’s best for everyone that Perry get some distance. On the plus side Perry is a year younger than Balester and throws harder. On the minus side he is no more accurate than Balester, and doesn’t have the ’stache cred that Balester brings to the table.More important even than 'stache cred is that, if my calculations are correct, Perry still has one remaining minor league option and Balester does not. Players get three option years – years when they are on the 40 man major league roster, but spend some time not on active (25 man) roster. Both Perry and Balester have spent part of 2009, 2010 and 2011 bouncing between the majors and the minors (Balester actually started his yo-yo routine in 2008).OK, but if a player has fewer than five years of professional experience, he can be sent to the minors for a fourth time without clearing waivers. Ryan was drafted in 2008 and thus has less than four years of professional experience. Balester began his professional career in 2004, and so seems to be out of minor league options.

Interesting how Buerhle and Wilson both ended up deciding where they would go on "comfort" — Wilson back home to LA, Buerhle with Ozzie, who he is really close to. I guess once you pass a certain amount of millions there are actually other considerations. I wouldn't know, of course.

Trades like this give me confidence in the front office. Balester was more than likely not making the bullpen out of spring training this year and we would have lost him to some team. Perry is younger and a first round pick who was rushed to the big leagues and he has an option. Let him learn consistency in AAA and if he doesnt no harm no foul. If he can be consistent its just another young power arm for Davey to play with.

Hoping that McCatty can do things with Perry to help him gain consistency. Kid was rushed to the majors in his 2nd year. He actually has playoff experience as well. What I like is that we don't have the pressure to keep him up on the 25 man roster out of spring training like we did with Balestar. No doubt we would have lost him if we tried to get him through waivers so getting a former first round pick is a decent accomplishment. Not a huge deal but a solid addition. I am concerned about only 24 Ks to 21 walks last year in the big leagues.

Balestar almost certainly wasn't going to be on the roster this coming year. Good move by Rizzo to get something, anything, for him. I can totally understand why we wanted Perry instead of Balestar. What I can't understand is why the Tigers wanted Balestar instead of Perry? Anyone have a theory a on that? We'll miss his 'stache.

Not to sound rude but does one person really care anymore about Balester? He never came close to achieving his potenttial and you have to wonder if the end to his career is not close.Good luck to him in the Detroit organization, who knows maybe he will find something there that he hasn't found with the Nats.

Tigers are looking for a fifth starter, and they were apparently tired of watching Perry. Apparently, he was brought up too soon, and it set him back. And it's not as if they were going to get Felix Hernandez back for Balester.

what is the deal with Slatin? Why are we keeping him on the 40 man and then losing 2 good prospects to rule 5? Does he really have an mlb future? Maybe the fo knows something we don't about his injury and projected recovery. I would have cut him long ago. I hope they are not just holding on to him to save face because they picked him up qcouple of years ago. You can't sink more resourses into lost assets.

what is the deal with Slatin? Why are we keeping him on the 40 man and then losing 2 good prospects to rule 5? Does he really have an mlb future?Honestly, what is with some people and Slaten? Everytime the Nationals make a move involving a pitcher that name crops up.Okay name your left-handed relief pitchers for this year depth-chart wise: We'll start in the majors and use Sue Dinem's minor league depth chart based on what level the pitcher has reached not on his ceiling/potential : (or whether he ends up as a starter).LHRPSean Burnett – backend setup/closerDoug Slaten – backend setup/middle reliefTom Gorzelanny – long relief / starter. Atahualpa Severino – backend — minor league depth ———–Josh Smoker completed A-level setup/closerMatt Purke AZ Fall some FLA Instructional starter?Kylin Turnbull FLA instructional starter?Paul Applebee Potomac A+HELL YES you keep Slaten until you acquire or develop someone better. Keep in mind that Smoker was left unprotected in the rule 5.

Leyland…"He comes in some nights and throws that fastball 96 mph and locates it well and the next night he doesn't look like the same guy."A spitting image of Balester……minus the porn stache, of course.Hope Colin finds his niche in Detroit, having a new baby and all.

Someone in Detroit sees Balester as a possible emergency starter. Only plus over Perry I can see.Keeping Slaten does no harm for the moment — plenty of open roster spaces. Keeping him longer than the opening of Spring Training also makes no sense. He was absolutely awful — kerosene in a Curly W cap. But there's always someone out there who wants a LH RP (Exhibit A: Ron Villone). Maybe Rizzo gets lucky and some GM as stoopid as the GM in Miami wants a brace of left-handers (Lannan and Slaten) in exchange for a minor league CF. As for depth, there are always LH RPs available to meet the demand for LF RPs (see above). Not necessarily good ones but no worse than Slaten. If the Nats really think they need a third "quality" LH behind Burnett and Gorzelany, they could do worse than Smoker, who's been around a long time and is due to give something back even if inexperienced.

What a great way to start my Saturday morning, finding out that the lying snivaling little boy is gone. I have hated him since AAHarrisburg when he had no reason to lie to me but he did anyway mistreating fans come back to bite you in the butt. Now heres to hope that Detroit dfa's him and he can go where he belongs, can I supersize that for you Sir!

from Knorr: "I know his year was shortened by injury, but I like Doug Slaten," Knorr said. "If you ask me, the three top lefties out of the bullpen in the National league are the Braves' Jonny Venters, the Cubs' Sean Marshall and Slaten. I think Slaten is great against lefties."Slaten is not going anywhere, that's perfect.

Kilgore has a post up on the Nats' offer to Buehrle in comparison to the Fish, and it's uh, well…not flattering. Fair Market Mike strikes again, I suppose. All is well…until Mike lowballs Zim all year.

The answer to whether or not this was a good deal will not be apparent for some time. It's a crap shoot. Reading AK's post reminded me that although I like his writing, the comments over there are pretty terrible. Fellow posters – even at your crankiest you are nothing like that – and thanks.

If you read between the lines Detroit has all but given up on Perry for some reason … and the option makes for another starter in AAA Syracuse. If he flounders he goes the way of Garret Mock a similar right-hander. Perhaps the pitching coaches can get him right then they have another starter in 2013. That is how the Nats surely see him : as a starter not a reliever. And it does look like they are going to have to scramble a bit to put together a starting rotation in AAA. I guess its started.

I am glad Rizzo held firm to his view of value. The easiest mistake to make is switching from your strategy to acquire a player if he fits within a certain price range, to a strategy of 'what does it take to win?'. The Miami Sheens clearly went with the second strategy, and it worked for a few, and they lost on others even though they were highest in AAV and years (according to rumors, anyway). It is possible that in the long run, they'll be happier with the ones that they lost, but in either case, it doesn't seem logical to want a player at any cost. That is usually going to work out well for only the player.So how about Darren Oliver for the pen? Wicked LOOGY. The downside is he is approaching his 70th birthday, but he is still effective. He could be useful against Philly, and some other big lefties like mcCann, LoMo, etc

gonats:I still read NJ but only read and respond to comments on this site. There were some total idiots over there and I am guessing some of them are here as anons but its just so much more civilized at NI. If we do get snarky natsfan1a gives us a gentle smack on the wrist and puts us in timeout until we behave. I have never heard a discouraging word from her. Was surprised to hear such glowing words from Knorr about Slaten. Sure didn't see those results here. I don't even rank him 3rd on our club much less in the bigs. Maybe that's just getting his value up for some sort of trade but I am guessing other teams scouts have a pretty good idea what he can deliver. I dont want him dfa's, I like keeping left handed pitchers around but I find it hard to believe he will beat out Burnett & Gorzo for a spot this year.

Checked out Detroit Free PRess article on trade. Here's Dave Dombrowski, Tigers GM on the trade:Home-grown sentiment means nothing compared with assembling the best bullpen possible. The Tigers’ signing of Dotel, the quintessential journeyman, to do late-inning relief work made Perry expendable. And later Friday, the Tigers traded Perry to Washington for right-handed reliever Collin Balester.“We need someone who can pitch multiple innings, and Balester has shown he can go three or more innings,” Dombrowski said. “He’s more apt to do that than Ryan. He’s been a starter. Ryan wasn’t guaranteed a spot on our club. He should benefit from a change of scenery.” This is a change of scenery trade for both guys.

Clearly not a huge Balester fan, because frankly he's not great. But he's certainly the type who might benefit from a change of scenery, or more honestly, a team that doesn't jerk him back and forth from the majors and minors because they can instead of reasons related to results. I think a having a team express confidence in his abilities might really help. No pitcher is perfect, and he shouldn't feel that he has to be either.

Every dish on the menu doesn't have to be filet mignon and lobster tail. You need pizza, too. Players who do their jobs better than the alternatives are good to have. So good luck and happy home-in-law-coming, Collin & family, and let's see the FNR can get some middle-inning outs.Captcha: hiatone. Not that I set it.

Thanks for the kind words, sjm308. I tend to have the same approach to NJ these days.Re. Balester: from his comments on the Times site, it sounds like his extended family is quite happy about the move. I imagine it will be nice for his wife to have family living close by as she and Collin are starting to grow their own.

NL MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for a performance-enchancing drug, reports Mark Fainaru-Wada and T.J. Quinn of ESPN. YokalSports.com was the first to report the news (on Twitter). Braun is facing a 50-game suspension and is disputing the positive test through arbitration."There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program," said a spokesman for Braun in a statement. "While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."

I like keeping left handed pitchers around but I find it hard to believe he will beat out Burnett & Gorzo for a spot this year.You may be one of the total idiots you describe on NJ sjm308 if you think that's enough left-handed relief in the NL East. You sure as heck do not know much about baseball if you do.

Not that anyone likes to be called an idiot by an Anon (and honestly, he is probably closer to being right then he knows) but besides the harsh words, I decided to look at both Atlanta and Phillie bullpens and low and behold, neither team had more than 3 lefties in the bullpen last year. I think they both did ok, at least better than we did last year so I am not sure my comment about keeping at least 3 lefties was so idiotic. For the record the Braves had Venters, O'Flaherty and Mike Minor. The Phillies had just Bastardo and some guy named Savery. And yes Anon 9:19pm there are total idiots lurking everywhere. Just not that many here. I actually agree with you that you can't have enough pitching of either hand but I am not sure you want more than one LOOGY in your pen. At least Gorzo and Burnett can go an inning or more (especially Gorzo).Sad news about Braun. It appears in an article over at ESPN that they did multiple testing on his results and it was definitely synthetic testosterone(not produced by his body). Going to be hard for him to get out of this and its just sad.

Re. Braun, it is sad. He always struck me as one of the good guys. Will be interested to read about the "highly unusual circumstances" that are referenced but, as with all such cases, I find it difficult to fathom that a professional athlete wouldn't make it his business to know exactly what he or someone else was putting into his body at any given time.

fwiw, the ESPN story also says this:Appeals usually are heard by arbitrator Shyam Das. One of the people said the appeals process is not likely to be concluded until January at the earliest. That person also told the AP that after being informed of the positive test, Braun asked to have another urine test taken, and that the second test was within normal range.

sjm: Right now, the Nationals are reasonably wealthy when it comes to LH pitching. Four are listed as SP (Lannan, Detwiler, Milone & Purke), with the other four (Gorzelanny-LR/Spot, Burnett-MR, Slaten & Severino-LS) scattered across the 'pen. I'd probably agree with you that one of the battles this spring could be between Slaten and Severino for that left-hand specialist position, if Johnson considers that a necessary role. Suprised about the PED report on Braun. Flashed across conflicting reports (SI, I think) that said a 2nd sample came up clean, so I'm not quite sure where this will end up.

On the Braun/PEDs issue, in parsing the language of the statement issued by Braun's representatives, it appears they're accepting the fact that he tested positive, but are going to argue 'highly unusual circumstances' and 'intent' rather than an invalid test. Apparently he's had tests before and after that were negative. We could spin out a lot of different hypotheticals here, but the CBA pretty much says that every player is responsible for whatever he puts in his body and he isn't going to be able to get away with an 'I didn't know product XYZ contained anything illegal" or "the doctor told me to take ABC for my sinuses and I just took it without checking" — and I agree with that. Even if there turns out to be a somewhat reasonable explanation, MLB still needs to suspend Braun or risk setting a precedent that chemists will be lining up to exploit.On a different issue, today's NYT points out that the Angels were able to commit to Pujols and Wilson at least because of a 20-year/$3 billion contract for local/regional television. I tend to be a 'glass half full' (or even three-quarters full) kind of person, but I don't see anyway to spin the Nats' deal with MASN as ever giving them that kind of media revenue. I don't know what the magic number might be, but for the long-term health and success of the franchise, I wonder if would make sense for the Lerner's to buy out the MASN contract once and for all. Better to spend a $100m or so now and have long-term control of your own media income than continue to be under Angelos' thumb forever?

The only highly unusal circumstances regarding the case are that the guy testing positive is the NL MVP. Braun needs to get his 50 games the same way every other guy who has tested positive before got his (unless there was some actual error in the test, which does not seem to be the case). No other player has gotten victory on appeal to date, because the rule is applied with a bright line test — if you have the tuff in your body, then you've failed the test and you pay the price. Star player or not, he failed the test, he did not have an approval to use the synthetic testosterone in his blood.dfh21

Taking the second test is more PR than anything else. Chemists and players know there are random tests. So they make and use stuff that is only detectable for a short period of time. You can give a second sample at some future date with complete confidence.And of course MLB knew Braun had failed a test when MVP voting was happening.Just like they knew JC Romero tested positive in September 2008, let him pitch in the World Series where he won 2 games, and then announced his failed test.Ah well.

Sunderland, a fair point, but I don't see how they can not delay the announcement. In Braun's case, if they had publicized the failed test, I think there's no way he gets the MVP. Now suppose he *does* have a credible explanation, or the test is shown to be flawed–it's happened plenty in criminal cases with a lot more at stake. Now what? They couldn't even be sure they had cost him the vote–maybe he would have finished second anyway, for all they know. captcha: wingstasBirds of prey know they're cool.

Selig and MLB, after announcing that the steroid era "is over," for SURE didn't want to have to reveal that a marquee player like Braun tested positive. If they had any doubts about the quality of the lab results, they would send it back for retesting (which I believe they did). We are not talking about an overburdened city lab, or a remote country doctor here. I understand borderline minor leaguers scrabbling to make it might risk suspension, but if Braun–AND HIS STAFF–did it, that's just greed and hubris.

This might make a difference.From MLB TR:SUNDAY, 11:50am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports hears from a source that Braun tested positive for a prohibited substance, not a performance-enhancing drug (Twitter link). Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was told the same thing, with his source saying there's "never" been a result like this since MLB's drug testing program began.

Sec 3: Rosenthal just put up another tweet, saying basically that the substance is part of the steroid testing program, but not synthetic testosterone itself. My bet is firmly on estrogen or something closely related, which you'd take as part of a doping cycle to limit adverse effects on the body's natural testosterone production.

On any matter of discipline, players are allowed to play until completion of the appeals process. Drugs, fights, beanballs, all treated the same way in that regard. Can't punish them before appeals process is complete.

Matt, thanks, saw it.The actual text was "To clarify on Braun: What he did triggered violation of #MLB steroid-testing policy. Source says substance was prohibited, but not PED."which doesn't clarify anything. What does "triggered a violation" mean?

I read related to PED but not PED itself as some sort of chemical/hormone normally taken as part of a steroids regimen other than steroids (hence my guess of estrogen). I definitely agree with Sunderland that this is much more serious than pot.

So if he's stipulating to the synthetic testosterone, but insisting he did nothing wrong, maybe the argument is that he took something not banned that metabolizes into something that can give a false positive for testosterone, maybe when taken in combination with something else not banned…Yeah, me neither.

I wonder if would make sense for the Lerner's to buy out the MASN contract once and for all. Better to spend a $100m or so now and have long-term control of your own media income than continue to be under Angelos' thumb forever?The only way they could do that would be if Angelos wanted to sell. He doesn't, and he can't be forced to. Dream on.

Not that anyone likes to be called an idiot by an Anon (and honestly, he is probably closer to being right then he knows) I still think you're the idiot sjm308. But then it takes an idiot to call other fan posters on NJ idiots … or even anons. So I'm sorry to break the news but you are the total idiot … As far as your 'premise' that the Nats have enough left-handed pitching? There is a reason why Davey Johnson keeps opining about not having enough. Or haven't you been listening … oh that's right you're an idiot I forgot. Its because he believes he can out-manage everyone in the division bar none. His strategy appears to be left-handed pitching both in the rotation and in the bullpen. Perhaps even more than righties. Its different from those other teams … and there's a reason … but explaining that to a total idiot from NJ is kind well a waste of time?

FeelWood said …The only way they could do that would be if Angelos wanted to sell. He doesn't, and he can't be forced to. Dream on.I would have agreed with you a year ago. But given the state of the economy and the really slip-shod poor job he has done as steward of the Orioles … each year it gets worse-and-worse and the Orioles further and further from contention ….I have to think at this point perhaps he would sell … it would be really stupid for him not to consider it … but he is prideful and vindictive so …

The only way they could do that would be if Angelos wanted to sell. He doesn't, and he can't be forced to. Dream on."I'm going to put a gun to his head, and tell him 'Sign the [AB] paper, Martin, or you're DEAD!!'""I wonder, would that work?"

The only way they could do that would be if Angelos wanted to sell. He doesn't, and he can't be forced to. Dream on.I would have agreed with you a year ago. But given the state of the economy and the really slip-shod poor job he has done as steward of the Orioles … each year it gets worse-and-worse and the Orioles further and further from contention ….Angelos is still making boatloads of money from MASN. That's all that matters to him.

Feel Wood,I totally agree that Angelos has little incentive to sell to the Lerners. That being said, here's hoping that when Peter goes to sell the team that the Lerners will have built up enough influence with the new commish and are able to use reciprocate the generous Angelos act and prevent the new owner from maintaining the rights.

I also agree with FeelWood that Angelos has no reason to even think about letting the Lerners out of that deal as long as he is raking in money. I don't follow the O's all that much anymore, is there a chance that he is actually thinking of selling? Hard to spend against teams like the Angels and Yankees who are literally printing money with their TV deals.

What else would a person call one who goes by "Anonymous?"Anonymous said… But then it takes an idiot to call other fan posters on NJ idiots … or even anons. So I'm sorry to break the news but you are the total idiot

Angelos – sigh… We really need a better media situation. And I am now breaking out my parent voice —– STOP CALLING NAMES, IT'S NOT NICE!!!!!How about " I bet to differ" or " You know, there is another way to look at it" or even "Perhaps you are mistaken". Clean it up or go to Kilgore!!

To anyone I have offended, I did mention that people over on another site might act a little less polite than here (and they also know how to use the BOLD PRINT) and if I upset someone I do apologize. My point was that this site is civilized, and I guess I rankled an Anon. Not really that upset about anyone who can't even figure out how to leave more then just Anon after a comment but I guess I was out of line calling out NJ commenters. Still, if I am going to be insulted, it would be nice to know who is doing it. Like I mentioned in my first post, I don't even bother to read comments on NJ after PMcP took hold. Sec. 3, maybe I can come over and relax on your sofa. Its just so stressful being called names.What is funny is if nasty Anon had looked at my posts he would see that I agree with him that you can't have too much pitching, no matter if its left or right handed and as rough as Slaten pitched the last month, I would keep him for now.

What does this group know about the Japanese CF Aoki? I saw an article about him, 3 batting titles and he apparently can field his position as well. One writer said he would be the 2nd best hitter from Japan after Ichiro. Pretty high praise, and he does not look to be as expensive as Darvish as far as the posting and negotiations go.

gonatsgo said…So many posts during the winter meeting – now a break. Hoping for something new today. Following the Braun debacle and glad it's not a nat.December 12, 2011 6:44 AM______________________________________________________________________I agree.We need a fix!______________________________________________________________________I also want to just say that I believe that I'm in the majority on this board when I say that we detest the name calling. This is a great board and when the discussions get to a level of immature personal attacks it just pollutes and cheapens the experience for the rest of us. Just cool it.

I'm fine with Mark taking a breather to get reacquainted with Mrs. Z. and The Kid after being away from them all week. Speaking only for myself, I've been quite happy with the frequency of offseason posts and am confident that if and when something breaks, he'll be on it. But guess what? There's a new post up. :-)(And trolls will only step it up if you show that they're getting to you. They won't be happy until they drive people off every site on the interwebz. And probably not then, either, because they're trolls and all. My advice, which I *try* to follow, is just ignore 'em. They hate that most of all.)